Trending: Leather

I'm gonna be honest, I've never owned a leather jacket. I remember obsessively wanting one in 7th grade, after I was blown away by a Seventeen magazine prom feature where a fluffy, champagne colored tulle dress was styled with a black leather biker jacket and black Doc Martin boots. The mix of sweet and tough was an image little me would dream of replicating, but was too scared to rock. I was able to convince my mother to invest in the Doc Martin's (I think the sole-life was a selling point), but not the jacket. I feel I could've committed to saving up the cash to buy my own if two things weren't freaking my 12-present year old self out: the investment and wearing that much leather. I'm actually over the investment part but I still worry about leather being squeaky, conforming, too heavy and sometimes just a bit tacky. I've seen a lot of bad leather, and I'm sure you have too. So the question is, should I commit like a Nike ad and just do it? All of these styles I like, but I'm still drawn to the classic motorcycle jacket. Hey, some dreams never die...

black leather jacket Leather jacket / Versace / Black leather jacket, $955 / MuuBaa / John Lewis leather biker jacket, $320 / Diesel Black Gold leather jacket

xo, stacey

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Inspiration | miesh photography

I'm still struggling to muster up the adequate courage when it comes to approaching people to be photographed for the blog.  Just the other day, for example, I waited too long and majorly missed out on photographing a beautiful girl at the Avenues Street Fair (I did get a sneaky shot, so she may still show up).  Luckily I had some courage a couple of weeks ago when I ran into Michelle at a local jewelry supply store.  We were both being helped at the counter, but interaction was unlikely.  I saw her outfit and jewelry and was definitely inspired.  Even though I only had my cell phone camera on hand, and even though I still feel a bit creepy about approaching people, somehow I made it work.

I love this outfit.  I think it's the fit of the shirt and pants that are really doing it for me.  I'm enjoying the looser pants paired with the vintage t-shirt.  The boots, unexpected in the summertime, but a super pleasant surprise.  Her jewelry and fringe added some unique personality to the look.  Wooden phone case?  Yes.  And check out her lotus cuff, she made it!   I hope she doesn't mind, but, I'm going to need to borrow quite a bit from this look.  I have some boots and pants that may just work for this...exciting!

Her only request?  Crop out the head.  I felt this unnecessary as she looked darling, but I'm always happy to oblige the request of a willing photograph-ee.

We talked a bit, feeling like we somehow recognized each other. We never made the connection, but I wouldn't be surprised if we had somehow crossed paths in the past. Michelle handed me her card, and it turns out she is a film only (!) photographer who clearly knows her stuff. Check out her website here. I enjoyed looking through her portfolio and am wishing I would have known about her back when Arie and I got hitched. Just imagine...how different would your experience be if you knew your photographer was only using film? I think the 'specialness' level would become intensely elevated. Film is so precious. Moments would feel, I would imagine, organic yet highly focused. Even just the thought of this feels longingly romantic.

Well, thanks Michelle, for wearing a super cute outfit, for sharing your talent, and for being willing to oblige my request for some photos.  

t.t.f.n.,

H

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Catalog Deconstruction | No. 1

Oh, US mail, how I love and hate you.

When I bring in the mail, I usually separate anything of immediate interest from the stack then throw the rest into a pile on our bench near the front door. Ads, junk mail, Bleck. Catalogs, Yay! I usually let them stack up for a bit until Arie goes through the pile and asks me whether or not he can recycle them. Most recently, he asked me if he could recycle my Anthropologie and Nordstrom catalogs. "No." I knew I better go through them soon since I asked him not to get rid of them. So I went through and took some photos of the photos of the things I would love to have if I could have anything I want.

1        2        3        4        5        6

Two comments:  First, I bought the scarf.  Second, the matte grey/brown classic Wayfarers are nearly forcing me to re-bleach my hair.  

What are your favorite catalogs?  I want more!

Eightch.

P.S.  Remember when I used the very same mug for this?  Yum!

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Summer Shows

The Salt Lake City Twilight Concert Series was recently announced and I'm excited for the great shows they've lined up.  Outdoor concerts in the evening are my FAVORITE, and my ideal, moneydon'tmeanathing outfit for the occasion would look a lot like this...

Thakoon cotton blouse, Swash, Current/Elliott capri jeans, Bertie strappy sandals, Mini handbag, Karen Walker Eyewear 

For the first time in 25 years, the promoters are charging a small fee for attendees.  For someone who has gone free for 10+ years, I'm not complaining.  10 years!  Kinda freakydeaky how time flies... 

Heather and I with our friend Ann at a Twilight show in 2009.

I'm looking forward to M.Ward and DeVotchKa.   Yay for summer fun!

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Spring Intervention

85 degrees? Geez! Summer is sneaking in, but I'm thinking if I left this blue blouse on, Spring would know I was staying true.

Spring Intervention by eightch featuring wedge shoes

Spring, I hardly knew ye.

H

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World Creativity & Innovation Week

Did you know it was World Creativity & Innovation Week?  I found out a few days ago, then I forgot, then I remembered again.  Does that happen to you?  It happens to me all the time.  I think I need Gingko Biloba (but first must know the proper pronunciation).

I'm excited by the week's motto; "Do what you can. do what you like.  There's only one rule: do no harm."  While my mission in crafting/creating isn't always for worldly good, I think I do my part in sharing the final product and the idea.  I love to make stuff because it makes me feel good.

For those who might think they're not the creative type, that's simply not true.  You're probably more creative and innovative in your day to day activities than you think.  Here are two things I did to freshen up my wardrobe, which to me, are pretty good ideas:

I bought a pleated skirt at a thrift store last fall thinking I would wear it.   This just in: I can't pull off pleats, no matter how hard I try.  I couldn't bear to part with the fabric so I cut off the waistband, folded over the edge, stitched a new hem, and TA-DA!  I've got an infinity scarf.



In my recent window shopping adventures, I've been cooing and cawing over the feminine touch of ribbon laces in oxford loafers.  I have an older pair in relatively good shape from two years ago, so rather than get another pair, I decided to freshen up the ones I own.  Anthropologie (sale rack my friends, sale rack) packages up purchases so nicely that I never want the bag to collapse when I get home.  I save the tissue paper for reuse, so why not the ribbon handles?  They're perfect laces to make my old oxfords new.  No?


So hurry hurry, you've got three days left to make the world week of creativity count!  It could be in tomorrow's breakfast or your weekend plans.  Make, innovate, create!

best...
stacey

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March Hangs On

So, it's April. But March is working it's bestest to stay relevant, presenting us with an all too recent snow storm that April would never have willingly allowed. This little calendar battle is causing me to have some difficulties during outfit planning. Therefore, I have found that a slight bit of layering remains a must. I would love to have this outfit at my disposal (hmm...perhaps a future thrift adventure is in order?). Until it manifests itself in my closet, the following mantra will be on mental repeat: Dear universe, please help me to find affordable versions of these pieces. Please let me wear this outfit to an amazing outdoor concert. Amen.

Spring Time Prime by eightch featuring black earrings

Sinceres, Heather

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Clothes Worth Keeping

I know fashion week is old news; weeks ago we all found out what the trends are to be a year from now.  Fashion forecasting blows my mind in regard to timing; we get to peep into the future of what everyone will be wearing some variation of one year from now.  Depending on the piece, I'll buy into it once the first inexpensive variation is available post runway; appearing fashionably challenged (crazy) to others for that full year before the movement hits the shelves of retailers nationwide.

Here are five looks I would wear now, even though white pants are right around the corner.



In order of appearance, from the AW 2012-2013 lines of Calvin Klien, Paul Smith, Burberry-Prorsum, Derek Lam,  and Victoria Beckham.

Stacey

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